Practical Nursing (PN) Program

Compassionate care. Technical skills.

Train to become a licensed practical nurse through the Fortis PN program.

A practical nursing program is a fast and focused way to launch your career in healthcare. Students enrolled in the Fortis Practical Nurse (PN) Program will learn not only from classroom instruction but also gain real clinical experience from passionate instructors to build confidence and prepare them for employment as an entry-level practical nurse. 

What does a licensed practical nurse do?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) and/or doctor, and at times, may be responsible for the supervision of nursing aides. They provide essential, hands-on care like monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with daily activities, communicating important information to doctors and registered nurses, and helping patients feel cared for and supported. 

7 Advantages to launching your practical nursing career with Fortis:

  • Train for a career in high demand.
    Fortis Practical Nursing programs are designed to help you step into essential roles across hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health.
  • Graduate and Start Working Sooner.
    Complete our program efficiently–enter the workforce faster
  • Learn Through Meaningful, Patient-Focused Training
    The real-world skills gained through this program allow you to make a genuine difference in the lives of patients—supporting comfort, dignity, and daily well-being.
  • Build Earning Potential with an In-Demand Skillset
    With focused training, strong employer need, and dedicated career service advisors, our graduates can pursue stable positions in local communities.
  • Create a Pathway for Your Future Nursing Goals
    Your LPN credential can be a launchpad. With experience gained through Fortis training, many graduates explore further education toward RN or BSN roles.
  • Choose From a Variety of Healthcare Work Settings
    Fortis PN graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, physician offices, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health—giving you flexibility to shape your ideal career environment.
  • Gain Confidence Through Career-Focused Support
    From practical instruction to dedicated career services, Fortis gives you the support, guidance, and encouragement you need to pursue a stable, meaningful nursing career in a field that will always rely on the human touch

What does it take to become a licensed practical nurse?

To enroll in the Fortis practical nursing program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or equivalent
  • Be at least 17 years old at the start of studies
  • Submit an application form
  • Participate in an interview with administrative staffew with administrative staff
  • Achieve a minimum score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE), a standardized test that assesses cognitive abilities

Why Fortis?

  • Less time to earn a degree and start employment

    Less time to earn a degree and start employment

  • Career-focused classes

    Career-focused classes

  • Hands-on clinical training

    Hands-on clinical training

  • Flexible class schedules

    Flexible class schedules

  • Accredited programs

    Accredited programs

  • Financial aid for those who qualify

    Financial aid for those who qualify

  • Career services

    Career services

  • Connections to local employers

    Connections to local employers

Program Details

What does a practical nursing program at Fortis look like?

  • Earn a diploma in 60 weeks
  • Learn through a hybrid form of delivery, with some courses online and others offered in a traditional on-campus environment with a mix of classroom and hands-on learning
  • Learn from passionate, experienced instructors with real-world skills and a dedication to student success 
  • Become eligible upon completion of the program to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)* 

What You’ll Learn

  • Knowledge of science and health-related topics, as well as math for medical professionals and pharmacology
  • An understanding of basic nursing skills, biology, physiology, emergency care, pediatric nursing, obstetric nursing and medical/surgical nursing 
  • Communication and interpersonal skills for creating empathetic caregivers who excel in connecting with patients
  • Collaboration and teamwork for establishing productive, respectful interaction with colleagues and peers in the workforce
  • The clinical portion of this program includes real-world, hands-on experience providing nursing care to diverse patient populations in hospitals and other healthcare agencies and will enable the student to observe first-hand and learn the qualities that are crucial to employability

Sample Course Track

Below is a sample course path through our Practical Nursing program.  Click on the triangle to expand the sample course listing.

Course CodeCourse TitleClock HoursCredit Hours
AHP216Anatomy and Physiology For Nursing806
CMP105Introduction to Informatics **202
PNR110Introduction to Nursing:  Beginning Concepts 303
PNR111Introduction to Nursing:  Experiential Learning 603
PNR112Math for Medical Professionals453
PNR120Fundamentals of Nursing:  Novice Concepts  30
PNR121Fundamentals of Nursing:  Experiential Learning 115 
PNR122Pharmacology and the Nursing Process  40
PNR130Medical-Surgical Nursing I:  Intermediate Concepts 40 
PNR131Medical-Surgical Nursing I:  Experiential Learning  105
PNR132Pharmacology Across the Lifespan  30
PNR133Intravenous Therapy  50
PNR134Care of the Older Adult: Intermediate Concepts**  20
PNR135Care of the Older Adult:  Experiential Learning  65
PNR140Medical-Surgical Nursing 2:  Advanced Concepts 30 
PNR141Medical-Surgical Nursing 2:  Experiential Learning  85
PNR142Nursing Across the Lifespan: Advanced Concepts** 40 
PNR143Nursing Across the Lifespan:  Experiential Learning 1104
PNR150Medical-Surgical Nursing 3:  Mastery of Concepts 404
PNR151Medical-Surgical Nursing 3:  Experiential Learning853
PNR152Transition to Practice:  Mastery of Concepts** 303
PNR153Transition to Practice:  Experiential Learning 903
PNR154Developing your Professional Identity 404
PSY278Human Growth and Development **404
SCI115Fundamentals of Human Nutrition **303

What is the job outlook?

National job outlook data provides insight into career trends across the United States, including which occupations are growing, in demand, and expected to offer employment opportunities. This information is sourced from Lightcast and includes data from O*NET Online, a comprehensive resource developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) that describes job duties, skills, and workforce trends. Data is used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Position
Entry-Level Salary Range
Job Growth
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
$47,506
+0.0%
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
O*NET® is a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Any modifications to this data have been made by Lightcast and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by USDOL/ETA.

What career opportunities are available for practical nurses? 

Graduates of the Fortis Practical Nursing Training Program can pursue entry-level healthcare employment in virtually every hospital department. Some key roles include:

  • Emergency Room LPN
  • Labor and Delivery LPN
  • Oncology LPN
  • Pediatric LPN

I'm Ready!

If you're feeling the calling to start your training in nursing, apply now for Fortis' Practical Nursing (PN) program today. It's time to invest in YOU!

Apply Now